Insights into the effect of chitosan upon biofilm formation of several oral pathogenic microorganisms

The establishment of biofilms is a fundamental step in the survival of oral microorganisms (1). Among the biofilm forming microorganisms Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis have received considerable attention as the main pathogens responsible for dental caries and adult periodontitis (2). Generally, mechanical treatment of oral biofilm (dental plaque) formation is insufficient to prevent oral diseases, and an on-going quest exists for new antimicrobials to be used in oral healthcare (3). Chitosan is a high molecular weight (HMW), linear, polycationic heteropolysaccharide derived from chitin. The high percentage of amino groups (6,89 %), which provide chelating capability, in conjunction with antimicrobial, antitumoral and imunoadjuvant activity, acceleration of wound healing, biodegradability and biocompatibility make chitosan a high sought biomaterial. Moreover chitosan possesses bioadhesive capabilities thus making it capable of residing in the oral cavity (4). The aim of this work was to assess the potential of chitosan as a viable antibiofilm agent through adhesion, biofilm formation and quorum sensing inhibition assays.